Catherine (Cathy) M. Heagerty

Catherine (Cathy) M. Heagerty, 77, of University Park, Florida passed away Monday afternoon July 23, 2018.Cathy grew up in Frankfort NY. David and Cathy were married in 1961 in Frankfort NY. She graduated from State University of New York at Oswego in 1962. She taught at Veeder Elementary School in South Colonie Central School District for 35 years. She died at Bradenton Hospice House after a short illness.She was a long time teacher of the third grade where she excelled in teaching math and cursive, among other subjects. Although she had high standards for her students, Cathy was quick to reward them with “doughnut Fridays” and other enrichment activities. As a teacher, she was pioneering in the use of literature in the elementary classroom to motivate and strengthen reading skills. Cathy was a beloved member of her faculty and a generous teammate. As a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, she served as an Eucharist Minister and a member of the parish council. She volunteered in the pet therapy program of Tidewell Hospice with her dogs Missy and Minny. As a member of Bright and Beautiful Therapy dogs, she helped train and evaluate other therapy dogs. She volunteered with many other organizations in activities to help others in a variety of ways.Cathy was passionate about every activity that she took on and at various times in her life she immersed herself in cooking (chocolates, pickles), crafts (knitting, quilting), and technology.Her family remembers her as a vibrant and supportive woman who could be relied on to offer help every time that it was needed. She took great pride and joy in her five grandchildren and her three great-grandchildren.Cathy is survived by David Heagerty (spouse), Colleen Laymon (daughter), Patrick Heagerty (son) and Claudia Karll Heagerty (daughter-in-law). Her grandchildren are Amelia Heagerty, Ross Laymon, Rebecca Brown, Kelsey Laymon, and Margaret Heagerty. Her great grandchildren are Benjamin Brown, Elliott Laymon and Nora Brown. Predeceasing her were her parents, Madlyn and Elliott App.Visitation will be held Tuesday July 31, 2018, from 5 to 7 pm at Toale Brother Funeral Home: 40 N. Orange Ave. Sarasota FL 34236.Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday August 1, 2018, at 10 am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs: 833 Magellan Dr. Sarasota FL 34243.Please send memorials in lieu of flowers to: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs 833 Magellan Dr. Sarasota FL 34243 or Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.

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Catherine (Cathy) M. Heagerty

July 23, 2018